Kacy Cerasoli Maitland is chief clinical officer at Samaritans, Inc., a suicide prevention organization based in Framingham.
Updated: September 2, 2024
Advice
10 Things employers should know about ... Suicide prevention
By Kacy Cerasoli Maitland
10) Suicide is preventable: Employers can play a significant role in this prevention through awareness and action. In 2022, nearly 50,000 Americans died by suicide.
9) Mental health affects job performance: Mental health issues can impact an employee's productivity and performance. By prioritizing mental health, employers enhance their organization's effectiveness. Suicides and suicide attempts cost $70+ billion each year in lifetime medical and work-loss costs.
8) Stigma is a major barrier: Employers can combat this by fostering an open, supportive environment where mental health discussions are normalized. This is especially important given middle-aged adults (35-64) account for half of all suicides in the U.S.
7) Training is essential: People can feel ill-equipped to help someone experiencing suicidal thoughts. Employers should provide mental health awareness and suicide prevention training to all staff. Employees are in a good position to notice changes in behavior in their coworkers.
6) Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are underutilized: Employers should actively promote their EAP services and ensure employees know how to access them.
5) Work-related stress can contribute to suicidal thoughts: High-pressure work environments, long hours, and job insecurity exacerbate mental health issues. Employers should strive to create a balanced, supportive work culture.
4) Warning signs aren't always obvious: Employers should educate their workforce about subtle indicators. Samaritans offers workplace prevention workshops.
3) Crisis response plans are crucial: Every workplace should have a clear, well-communicated plan for responding to mental health crises.
2) Return-to-work support is vital: For employees returning to work after a suicide attempt, a supportive reintegration process is crucial.
1) Suicide prevention is an ongoing process: Suicide prevention isn't a one-time initiative. Employers should regularly review and update their policies and support systems. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach 24/7 support.
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